Frontosa - Differences in Variations

[Katie_55]

Hello,

　

I have only been on this site for a week or so and i am new at this so please let me know if this should go else where!

　

Basically i have been keeping Peacocks, Electric Yellows, Hongi and Convict Cichlids over the last few years. I have always admired Frontosas and its only been over the last few weeks that i have acquired the right set up (6 foot tank etc) for them.

　

Their are a few facts that i am finding difficult to find on web pages etc. firstly are their any differences with variants? water chemistry, aggression, diet, size, colouring or shape other than the vertical bars?

　

Are some more rare than others? i have been experiencing a lot of variations between prices at pet shops in Melbourne and i am a little confused! some charge around $39 for 4-5cm and i have gotten prices as high as $120 per 4-5cm.

　

Can they be cross bred? is their anyway on knowing if a fish is cross bred? Is their anything i should be looking for specifically in a particular specimen that differs from the fish I already keep?

　

　

I would really appreciate any advice you could provide!!!

　

THANKS!!!!!!!!!

[Josh]

Hi There

There is a lot of differences between the 6 bar varieties in both colour and shapes, all Frontosa's will cross breed, but all require similar water conditions.

If you want to be sure of what you are getting, by from a breeder and only buy one location/variant.

Josh

[damoq]

Hi Katie,

As Josh said there are a lot of different frontosa variants but they all require the same water parameters etc it just comes down to personal preference and how much money you want to spend.

I have 5 different types of frontosa so i know a fair bit about them and if you want to call me i can give you a lot of info about them as there is too much to write in this post.

My number is 0423523444

Cheers,

Damo

[Jess]

you have to do some research Im afraid. too much details to cover for all your questions so try this link: http://www.cyphos.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=24

As for pricing in Melbourne I cannot comment for LFS commercial pricing but hobby breeders typically do the following:

@4-5cm;

6 bars burundi -- $15

7bars kigoma -- $30-40

mpimbwe/zamian variant -- $40-50

moba/kapamba/kitumba -- 50-70

tembwe/mikula -- 70-80

however pricing isn't everything so i'd rather pay more for quality fish.

hope that'll help.

[moosedagoose]

Join up to Australias Only and best dedicated Frontosa website... Frontosa.com.au

Im sure you will find very helpful info and pictures of variants available to you. Speak to local breeders...

[brucem]

That's a pretty good price summary, Jess

[Stepod72]

Hi Katie

I also have a few variants and I've been breeding fronnies for about a year, Damo has given me alot of advise that has helped me alot with all aspects of keeping and breeding these fantastic fish.

He is very knowledgable and helpful.

Cheers,

Steve.

[Katie_55]

Thank you so much everyone!

Fantastic advice and I will look into the websites. Now I know what to look for and what to consider before buying I am sure I will be able to make a more informed decision.

The price list gives me a good idea of what to expect and now i can make sure that i wont get ripped off! as mentioned by Jess i dont mind paying extra for a good healthy fish but when the pet shops are asking for $120.00 each for a 6 bar varient 4-5cm i know i can do better!

I appreciate your time guys!